James Brewster

The meeting was a continuation of a regular meeting from the previous day, focusing primarily on the housing element. Key discussion points included staff providing updates in response to commissioner questions from the prior session. Topics covered involved the capacity and number of recycled sites, the pace of development following single-family zoning conversion to multi-unit zoning based on existing studies (e.g., Chicago upzoning data), and detailed clarification regarding state law provisions for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Junior ADUs (JADUs), and their interaction with R1 and R2 zoning designations, especially concerning lot coverage restrictions. Commissioners also inquired about the legal pathway for allowing up to three roughly equal-sized units on an R1 lot without upzoning to R2, and the legality of limiting upzoning to properties with alley access. Staff also provided updated data on ADU permit applications and approvals through June 1st, 2021, noting changes in permit statuses since the previous report.

The key discussion centered on the Housing Element update. Staff provided an update regarding the commitment to language justice, confirming that translation services would be available through the end of the fiscal year, including for this meeting. The commission determined that amendments to the rules of order regarding public comment would be postponed to allow for greater clarity on remote participation rules and the Brown Act evolution. The main portion of the meeting involved a presentation on the draft Housing Element, covering its components, goals, policies, and proposed housing programs organized into buckets: equitable housing access, housing production and suitable size inventory, and housing stability. The commission planned to dedicate time to discussion following the public comment period.

The meeting commenced with a report from the City Attorney indicating no reportable action was taken following a closed session. An announcement was made regarding the temporary relocation of future City Council meetings to the East Wing of the Civic Auditorium due to renovations. Key agenda items included the proclamation for the 2020 Homeless Count Week, where staff explained the importance of volunteer participation in counting the homeless population. The council then addressed consent calendar items (3a through 3g), which included a discussion and subsequent approval of a motion to clarify parcel coverage limitations in the R-1 single-unit residential district ordinance update. Public comment focused on concerns regarding potential loopholes allowing illegal expansion of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and tenant harassment by the Housing Authority. Following the ordinance clarification approval, the council moved to introduce the first reading of an ordinance concerning Electric Vehicle (EV) charging, specifically addressing proposed overstay charges and program review to incentivize station turnover and streamline policies.

The meeting commenced with reporting out from closed session regarding two final settlement agreements. The first agreement involved reimbursing a parent up to $35,000 for compensatory education and paying attorney fees not to exceed $17,750. The second settlement concerned funding independent educational evaluations in psychoeducation ($6,000), occupational therapy ($3,000), speech and language ($3,000), and funding 70 hours of tutoring ($5,600), plus attorney fees not to exceed $8,500. Following the pledge of allegiance, the board approved the minutes from the meetings held on May 16, June 6, and June 20. The Superintendent provided a brief report noting that preliminary student achievement data was promising and would be shared later, and reminded members about restorative justice training sign-ups. The consent calendar was approved, including item 5d-7, the administrative appointment of Mrs. Cynthia McGregor as the new principal of Franklin Elementary School, effective July 1, 2019. Under discussion items, the District Advisory Committee (DAC) provided its end-of-year report, presented in Spanish, focusing on parental engagement, successes with English for Parents classes, and recommendations for improved communication between parents and school staff regarding student progress and reclassification.

This meeting discusses Santa Monica's downtown community plan, a roadmap for fostering a thriving, people-centered urban core. Key focus areas include enhancing pedestrian facilities and streetscapes, creating and improving public spaces, and culturally activating these areas with art and events. The plan also prioritizes building a strong, connected downtown community by addressing housing needs, promoting socio-economic diversity, and shifting towards sustainable transportation like walking, biking, and public transit. The ultimate vision is a vibrant, inclusive, and livable downtown that benefits all residents.